City Ordinance 1057: The city council designates clean-up of all sidewalks in city limits. Replacement of all street lamps, bus benches, and updating all advertisement boards required.
Blah, blah, blah. All I saw was the replacement of bus benches. The place where Cade and I met would be gone forever. My heart was hurting, my feelings all over the place. Resting my head in my hand, I willed my eyes to not drop tears. A knock on my door startled me. I snapped up straight, shuffled the papers to look like I was working, and yelled, “Come in!”
Zander slid in, his dark hair ruffled, a few buttons of his shirt popped open. “Holy shit, Francesca. These people are crazy.” The door clicked behind him. He strutted over. Stretching out in the chair, he leaned his head back and sighed loudly. “They’re doing half the performance appraisals today,” he muttered.
“What? Appraisals are supposed to be months away,” I exclaimed, hopping to my feet. Frantically, I searched for my notes on the matter, then my phone. I had to let Cade know I would be working late. I needed to find a mirror and make myself more presentable.
“Chill, ok? Yours is next week,” he said, his eyes wide as he watched me.
“How do you know?” I inquired.
He shrugged, “I know things.”
Relaxed, I gingerly sat back down, staring at him. He was fighting a laugh as he stared back. “What?”
“You were freaking out. It was hilarious,” he chuckled.
I glared at him before sticking my tongue out. “Shut up,” I huffed, crossing my arms.
He laughed loudly, “Oh, mature. Please, tell me what’s going on now. I only have,” he drew his words out, looking around to find my clock, “five more minutes.”
I exhaled heavily, drumming my fingers against my desk. “Remember the client you freaked out about? Yeah, well, he wants to hang out tonight. And I’m a mess, Z. A mess,” I groaned.
His mouth fell open and he didn’t even blink. “Do it.”
“What?” I said, shocked, “You’re supposed to tell me how awful this is. Talk me out of it.”
“I should...but I’m not. You have worked your ass off for these people for too long. I say do it. Even if you get caught, it’ll be worth it. You shouldn’t work here anyways, you could be much more successful in your own practice.”
“You’re crazy,” I giggled, waving him off.
He gripped the arms of the chair, leaning forward, “I’m serious.” His face was stern, his eyes staring deep in mine. “Think about it. I’ll come work for you if you do. I have to go back.” He stood, giving me a serious finger wagging before exiting.
I leaned back, twirling in the chair. Having my own practice wasn’t something I hadn’t thought of. I dreamed of it often, but Cade’s case was my first. I wasn’t all that experienced. I didn’t want to start something only to fail. I played it safe. I played life safe...just like Daphne was always telling me. I didn’t want to be this way, I wanted to enjoy life. Every second of it. For me and for Josie...but how? I was scared. A big chicken about getting hurt, about failure, even falling in love. I scribbled a few positive reinforcement notes on my pad, then got to work. Less than two hours and I would be able to leave and concentrate on my weekend.
###
The warm water eased my tension. I relaxed some, but not enough to shake the overwhelming feeling of nervousness that was quickly overtaking my body. Cade Kelling was all I ever wanted but everything I wanted nothing to do with. He was my everything but I couldn’t lose myself to him again. He may have been the reason my little sister, my wonderful, amazing, beautiful sister, died. I thought I knew, but now doubt was quickly sneaking its way into my mind. I shut the water off, toweling myself dry and wrapping my hair up. I had no earthly idea what to wear, or where to even start, but I knew I couldn’t look too good. Dressing up would make him think I thought it was a date. And while deep down I felt like it was, I couldn’t admit that to him. Not yet, anyways. He always held all the power, the control, when we were younger. I was just the young, innocent girl that was head over heels for him. I couldn’t be her anymore. I had to be stronger, braver, more aggressive.
I aimlessly lay on the bed, petting Hammy with one hand and tracing the outline of my phone with the other. Tonight was either going to be very, very good, or a disaster. And I honestly didn’t know which way I wanted it to go. Scratching Hamlet one last time under the chin, I headed for the closet. Choosing my skinny jeans and a black top, to keep things simple yet classic, I quickly dressed. My hair was still dripping, so I situated myself on the side of the bed, flipping my head over to scrub and towel dry my locks. My hair was beginning to wave, so I did my best to dry it this way. I knew Cade liked it wavy, and I felt my sexiest when it was this way, so it was definitely what I was going for.
I kept my make-up minimal, but lined my eyes black. The dark liner with dark eyes was a deadly combo. And I needed all my ammo handy tonight. Cade texted at 5-ish, reminding me he was alcohol free and we had plans at 7. This new Cade in the old Cade’s body was...odd. He contacted me first, he remembered our plans, actually acted like he cares. I always felt like he had feelings for me, deep down, but his actions spoke so much louder than his words. He could call me beautiful and kiss me all day, but if he didn’t remember to call or come by the next day, it meant nothing. It took him a year to break up with Jade after our first date. And he never came to me. He didn’t once ask me to forgive him and be his girlfriend...yet, here I was, killing myself to look and feel sexy for him. I shook my head at my reflection, “you’re stupid,” I told the girl staring back. I hated that my eyes were dancing with excitement. That he made me feel this way. I gripped the counter, almost to the point of cancelling, when my phone chimed.
Daphne: Let’s go out tonight.
Me: Can’t. I have plans.
Daphne: With who???
Of course she asked who. Daphne is too nosy for her own good. Me: Myself, duh.
Daphne: Are you sitting at home talking to the cat? Watching Twilight or Gilmore Girls or something?
She accused me like any of that would be a bad to be doing on a Friday night. Me: You know me so well.
Daphne: I’m coming to get you at 8.
Well, she would be in for a surprise. Me: Ok, but I won’t be here.
Daphne: Ha! We’ll see.
Yes, Daphne, we will see. I was going to be so much unlike the Francesca everyone knew. I was actually going to have fun with Cade. And I wasn’t going to regret it tomorrow. Nor was I going to overthink every word he said, or over analyze every move he made. He wanted to prove something to me? Ok, I’d let him, but I was taking it for what it was worth and nothing more.
Time had slipped away from me and I noticed it was surprisingly close to 7 p.m. I glanced out the window, thinking I heard a car but all I saw was a motorcycle. It was slowing in front of my house and my heartbeat sped up. Cade had a car...didn’t he? The rider stepped off, removing the helmet to show a glimpse of dark brown hair. His piercing blue eyes caught in the setting sun and I stepped back quickly, praying he didn’t see me peeping. Cade Kelling was here...on a motorcycle.
Chapter Eighteen-Cade
Shadows moved quickly behind her curtains, leaving me chuckling to myself as I walked up to her door. My knuckles collided with the wood three times, then I stuffed both hands in my pockets. No girl had ever made me this nervous. I even dressed up for our date she wouldn’t let me call a date. My dark jeans were nice, no holes or anything in them, and the black buttoned shirt I wore was always a big hit at bars. I rolled the sleeves up because I remembered she told me it was sexy when I did that. I remembered everything she said, whether I wanted to or not. Hearing the hinges creak, I looked up to see her standing before me. Her blonde waves danced in front of me as her eyes glanced me over.
“Francesca,” I said, “You look gorgeous.”
“Thanks...but...” she peered down, then back to me, “we match, Cade.”
I chuckled, “So? I don’t think anyone is
going to think we’re twins. Let’s go.” I held my arm out to escort her to my bike. She hesitantly linked us together at the elbows. I prayed she couldn’t hear the intense beating in my chest. She clicked the lock, checking to make sure it worked, and we started down the steps.
“Listen, if we need to take your car, it’s ok. Cason had to borrow mine for a few days, so this is all I have,” I explained, watching her from the corner of my eye.
Pulling her lip in between her teeth, she tensed and chewed as she thought about it. She looked at me, her eyes wide and laced with fear. “Do you have a helmet?” she whispered.
I grinned widely, “You bet I do! You’re going to love it. It’s so freeing to ride.” I pulled her over, getting the spare and gently placing it on her head. I smoothed her hair down, tucking it behind her ears and snapping the strap. “Adorable.”
She gave me a half smile and rolled her eyes. “Hardly. You haven’t been drinking, right?” she asked, appearing nervous.
I shook my head, “I told you I wouldn’t.” I couldn’t stop my finger from caressing her cheek.
Her eyes closed and she sighed every so softly. It took everything in me to not kiss her right then. Her head leaned into my hands, snuggling me like her cat had. It needed to stop. We were getting lost in each other and our night hadn’t even begun.
“Come on,” I said, guiding her to the seat with a wink. I hopped on, patting the spot behind me for her to sit. “Just hold on tight. Wrap your arms around my waist and move when I do.”
“What if I don’t?” she said with a shaky voice.
I stifled a laugh, “Then you’ll fall off of course.”
Her breathing deepened and I felt her struggling to get off. “I can’t do this.”
I turned, grasping her arm, “I’m kidding, Francesca. I would never let anything happen to you. Just try to move when I do, if not, it’s ok. I can handle it.”
She nodded, though it was unconvincing. I revved the bike to life, feeling her arms tighten against my stomach. Why didn’t you think of this years ago, Cade? I placed my hand on top of hers, giving a slight squeeze, then returned it to the handles. I sped down the road. Fast enough for her to feel the lightness of a motorcycle, but not enough to scare her shitless. She gripped me tightly the entire time.
###
The drive to the park was short, not giving me hardly enough time with Francesca’s arms wound around me. I glanced over my shoulder, seeing the confusion marking her face.
“We’re going to the park?” she asked, her eyes colliding with mine.
I hesitated. Every time our eyes met, I was speechless. Something about this dazzling woman in front of me drove me mad, crazy, insane. So I nodded. I flung my leg over, careful to not kick her, and placed the helmet dangling off the handle. I held my hand out, assisted her off the machine, and took her hand in mine. “Remember that time you came here when I was swinging?” I asked, leading her to the swing set. I heard a gasp. I turned, smiling at her sheepishly and shrugged.
“Really? We’re reliving it?” she inquired, her eyes wide as she took in the surroundings. “I haven’t been here since that night...”
“Francesca, that night was so special to me. I know you think I don’t remember because I drink too much, but I do. I can recall the way your hair shone in the moonlight, how saddened your eyes were when we talked about that slut, the way you kept reaching for your keys, and the gasp you let out when I told you we had something,” I said, walking closer to her. “That night meant so much to me, Francesca. You mean so much to me,” I choked out, sucking in a breath as I waited to see her reaction.
Her brown eyes brimmed with tears as she crossed her arms to hold herself. “Cade....”
“Why? Why are you so closed off to me, baby? Please, tell me how to fix it,” I pleaded.
“You can’t,” she exclaimed, turning from me. “You can’t bring her back.”
Bring who back? I wondered. “Francesca....”
“Did you leave her? Did you find her wrecked and leave her? Were you driving?”
Her sister. It all made sense now. She hated me because she thought it was my fault her sister died. “No,” I said sternly, shaking my head furiously. “I wouldn’t do that to you, to her, to anyone. Francesca, I called the ambulance that night.”
Her tears fell down freely. Her knuckles were white from gripping herself so tightly. “Cade...everyone told me....they said you were driving and left so you wouldn’t get a dui.”
I practically sprinted to her side, pressing her body against my chest. “I would never do that to anyone, especially your sister. I was not driving, she was, and I was behind her on the road. I had been drinking too, but I was sober enough to call an ambulance immediately. I went up to sit with her, but Francesca, she wasn’t moving. I didn’t touch her because I always heard on those TV shows not to do that, but the ambulance got there pretty quick. It was too late. She’d hit her head, baby. I’m so sorry,” I explained, sniffling back my own tears.
Her body heaved with sobs. She clenched my shirt, her tears soaking through to my chest. I held her, letting her get it all out. We stood there, in the middle of the small park, for I don’t know how long. No one else came by, no one stopped to see what we were up to. I caressed her head, doing my best to relax her. Everything made sense now. Why she refused to talk to me after the accident. Why she was so cold to me that day at the restaurant. Why she fought with all she had to not get close to me again. Whoever told her that needed to pay.
“Cade?” she sniffled.
“Yes, baby doll.”
“Why didn’t you come to me?” she pressed, detangling her body from my arms.
My heart was heavy, breathing difficult. She was oblivious to everything that had happened. It wasn’t fair, it wasn’t right. “I tried,” I sighed.
“When?” she said, her eyes wide in horror. “No you didn’t.”
Nodding, I grabbed her small, delicate hands in mine. “Yes, I did. You were dating that guy you met right before you moved away. He refused to let me see you. He told me...” my voice almost broke, “he said you didn’t want to see me. I left it alone after that.”
She cried out softly, choking on her sobs. “Oh my God.” Her hands left mine, finding her chest. She breathed, leaning her head to look at the sky. “George was always jealous of you. He’d heard rumors,” she muttered.
“George? Figures that tool’s name was George,” I snickered.
She scoffed at me, rolling those beautiful eyes she possessed. “Don’t make fun of his name,” she chided. “Make fun of him.”
I laughed, loudly, and scooped her into a tight hug. “I’ve missed you so. I didn’t even realize how much until I saw you last week.” Her hair smelled nice, like lavender and...Francesca. Caressing her cheek, I searched her eyes for any sign she was feeling what I was. She gazed at me, biting her lip ever so slightly. I lowered my head, stopping inches from her to measure her reaction. Heaving breaths met my questioning glance. Our lips collided, the ever present butterfly feeling in overdrive. Our tongues danced and our breath mingled. She moaned into me, snaking her arms up my chest and into my hair. Her soft fingers gripped tangles and pulled my head forward. We were lost in everything that we were together. Perfection, a disaster, confused, happy, sad, and remembering. Our mouths parted far too quickly, foreheads leaning against each other.
“Cade,” she breathed, peering up at me. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips red and begging for me to reconnect.
“Francesca,” I replied, closing my eyes and inhaling all that she was.
We stood, pressed against each other in the moonlight. The stars decorated the sky giving us a romantic backdrop. Neither of us spoke, because words weren’t needed. We’d spent years apart, each fighting a different battle, yet here we were, scathed and broken, but together. Our hearts beat to the same rhythm, creating a song just for us. After seconds, minutes, hours, I finally found the words to say.
“Francesca, it’s tim
e for us to have a real date,” I told her, grabbing her hand and smiling widely.
She squealed, following me to the bike. If nothing else was, this moment was a perfect piece of heaven.
Chapter Nineteen-Francesca
There were a few things that happened to make this night unbelievable. One: I rode a motorcycle. Two: I didn’t just ride a motorcycle, I rode one with Cade Kelling. Three: I finally broke down and confronted him about my sister’s death, not something I’d planned to do tonight, and gotten the answers I needed. Four: Cade Kelling still had feelings for me. Five: I had the second most perfect kiss of my life.
I gripped his torso, feeling the smooth lines of his abs under his shirt. I longed to explore his body. I’d never been ready when we were younger, so we didn’t know each other in that aspect. Not that now was the time, but being so closely pressed to him made my mind wander. He skillfully weaved the bike in and out of the traffic, gaining on our destination. I had a feeling we were going to the same diner we went the day we skipped school all those years ago. He was set to relive all of our important moments. An incredibly romantic and unusual gesture on his part, but it made my heart flutter for him even more.
The wind whipped the hair falling down my back into tangled and knots I would regret in the morning. I cursed myself for not putting all underneath. I couldn’t think straight with Cade being so...real with me. It wasn’t enough for him to wear the sexiest outfit in the world, but he also had to open up the door on all his feelings. An unexpected move. My heart beat intensely, my mind still reeled from his confession.
I’d blamed him for Josie’s death for years. Years, and for what? No reason other than the rumors I heard. I mentally kicked myself for believing the lies. I was grieving, lost, and scared. Cade could have helped me. I could have helped him. Maybe...no, I couldn’t think of what if’s and other similar scenarios. We were in the here and now. It was time to live. I breathed in his woodsy scent as the bike slowed. We stopped in front of the diner much sooner than I anticipated. I was so lost in my thoughts of Cade I didn’t realize how quickly he’d be driving us.
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